The Western Magpies, in 8th place on the ladder but only 4 points out of the five, face another crucial match against 9th placed Sandgate, who are expected to bounce back after a shock loss to UQ last week. The match is scheduled for Sunday at Sandgate.
The Magpies wilted in the second half last week and once again coach Glenn Humphrey will be stressing the need for a four quarter effort from his charges.
The Pies will be missing key forward Val Pope, who tweaked a hamstring in his 150th Senior match last week, small forward Matt Thompson, unavailable, and Redland listed player Tom Michael, who will line up with the Suns in NEAFL on the weekend.
In comes key defender Doug Lawrence, Under 18 player Brodie Easton, who hails from Dalby, onto a wing after showing good Reserves and Under 18 form, and Jack Fox, a late starter this year, into a forward pocket.
A victory keeps the Pies in a four way battle for fifth place on the ladder, a loss almost ends the Pies finals hopes.
The Seahawks are sure to come out firing to try to put last week's shock loss behind them and the Pies will need to be on their guard early to ensure they contain the home team.
The Pies have Dom Beer in ruck playing consistent football, midfielders in skipper Lachlan Woods and Ben Jaenke-Cain winning hard football and Sean Mewing, Hayden Thick -- rarely beaten at fullback-- and Chris Hunt in defence being solid.
Up forward Redland listed Jordan Bain presents well on the lead up but will need to hold onto the grabs when he gets two hands on the footy to make the most of his opportunities.
The Pies have the talent to down Sandgate but must try to play for the whole four quarters to ensure they stay in the finals race.
Last Modified on 28/06/2014 08:43
